Rick Steves' Europe: Medieval Castles
Ancient fortresses offer glimpses of medieval brutality and 19th-century Romanticism
- By Rick Steves
- Smithsonian magazine, May 2010

(Guilbert Gates)
Visiting these historic castles today, travelers see a muddle of Middle Ages bunker mentality and 150-year-old Romantic renovation. While confusing, this weird mix makes for great sightseeing.
More from Rick Steves and Smithsonian.com
Castle Architecture
Learning a few terms will enhance your experience among Europe’s medieval fortresses
December 01, 2009 |
By Rick Steves
Château de Chambord: 440 Rooms of Royal Opulence
Though it began as a simple hunting lodge, this chateau grew to six times the size of others in the Loire
November 01, 2009 |
By Rick Steves
Kalmar Castle: Sweden’s Royal Hub
From medieval palace to prison, distillery and granary, this castle was finally restored to its original glory
February 01, 2010 |
By Rick Steves
Salzburg’s Hohensalzburg Fortress
One of Europe’s mightiest castles, this fortress dominates Salzburg’s skyline
April 01, 2009 |
By Rick Steves









Comments (2)
Thank you Rick Steves and Smithsonian for sharing those magnificent photos with us. Beautiful... Bravo.
Posted by Lucien Alexandre Marion on January 17,2011 | 10:17 AM
Wonderful photo very magnifique bravo!
Posted by Sibourg Didier on July 22,2010 | 07:05 AM